Women Leading On Climate Action (Who Are Over 50-Years-Old)
When I first met Body Shop founder, Anita Roddick, she was definitely over 50-years-old. To my 25-year-old eyes, she was one of the most vibrant, powerful, beautiful and very intimidating people I'd ever seen.
As my career in sustainability progressed, it was inspired by other towering icons - like Wangarĩ Maathai, Jane Goodall and Dr. Beverly Wright - global matriarchs of the movement.
Earlier this year, I've gained the half-century mark myself, blowing out a intimidating blaze of 50 candles. Hitting middle-life serves up a recipe of shock (I'm 50? Wasn't I just 25 yesterday?), urgency, and a deep gratitude I hadn't realised was welling up inside me. Looking around me at the COP29 negotiations where I'm writing this, I'm surround by more incredible women who have been pushing, pioneering and plotting a better world for decades of their lives.
Women Keep On LeadingJust this week, COP29 hosted the launch of Women Leading On Climate , a new network of women and girls committed to creating real, impactful climate solutions and driving a new wave of climate leadership.
According to that campaign, women are 2.5 times more likely to demand that their governments take action, and 60% more likely to use their voice for good. This is so obvious in the youth climate movement - dominated by powerful young women like Xiye Bastida and Vanessa Nakate.
While these young climate leaders command our attention with their impassioned pleas for a livable future (and rightly so—they're inheriting the impacts of our choices), it's older women who've been quietly, and often not so quietly, laying the groundwork for solutions over decades. These women have been architects of green entrepreneurship, powerful leaders in climate justice, and stewards of nature worldwide. These women have kept the flame alive through huge set-backs and discrimination, while raising children and grandchildren, always staying relevant and fresh in their insights and passion.
List Of Women Leading On Climate Action (Over 50-Years-Old)Today, I share this list of women leading the charge in climate action, who happen to be over 50-years-old. Each of them proves that climate leadership only grows stronger with age and experience. I'm so excited to have passed the 50 mark to join them! They show us the power of a lifetime dedicated to making a difference—and that they are nowhere near finished yet.
Invite them to speak, ask their opinion, hire them, work for them, interview them for s, listen to their wisdom and be prepared for them to challenge you...
Please Note: This list is my personal opinion not a Forbes endorsement. The list could have been so much longer – the number women leading on climate is as long as the history of this effort.These are the women who inspire me:
Sumaya A Zakieldeen, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Khartoum.
Dr. Zakieldeen is Assistant Professor at the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Khartoum and Co-ordinator of Community-based Adaptation in Africa (CBAA) at the Sudanese Environment Conservation Society. She is also a fellow of the Capacity Strengthening in Least Developed Countries for Adaptation to Climate Change network and in 2012 was appointed the LDC representative to the Adaptation Committee under the UNFCCC.
Farhana Yamin – Lawyer, Author, Climate Justice Funder & Activist
Farhana Yamin is an international environmental lawyer and climate policy expert, with 30 years of experience advising leaders on climate justice and developing policies for vulnerable countries in the UN & has attended nearly every COP since 1995. She leads the Climate Justice and Just Transition Collaborative, which aims to shift power & philanthropic resources to frontline communities. Yamin's advocacy helped secure the net-zero emissions goal in the Paris Agreement. She champions non-violent activism & supports creatives, arts and cultural networks groups tackling social and racial injustice such as Climate Cardinals, Bigbury Net Zero and Climate Reframe.
Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist, ESRI and 2024 US Science Envoy
Dr. Dawn Wright is a geographer and oceanographer, Chief Scientist of the Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri), and Courtesy Professor at Oregon State University. Her work has focused on mapping the ocean floor in locations all over the world. Dr. Wright has also assisted with several outreach and policy programs, hoping to encourage more minority and female students to consider a career in the sciences. In 1991, Dr. Wright became the first African-American woman to dive to the ocean floor in Alvin, a deep-sea submersible vehicle, and in 2022 she became the first, and only, African-American to dive to Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth. An elected member of both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, as well as the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Wright earned a Ph.D. in Physical Geography and Marine Geology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Gail Whiteman Hoffmann Impact Professor for Accelerating Action on Nature & Climate University of Exeter Business School
Professor Gail Whiteman is a leading authority on sustainability and global environmental risks. She is the Executive Director of Arctic Basecamp and currently serving as Hoffmann Impact Professor for Accelerating Action on Nature & Climate at the University of Exeter Business School.
Akaya Windwood, Leader Advisor, Third Act
Akaya Windwood facilitates transformation. She advises, trains, and consults on how change happens individually, organizationally, and societally. She is on faculty of the Just Economy Institute, is Lead Advisor at Third Act, and is founder of the New Universal Wisdom and Leadership Institute, which centers human wisdom in the wisdom of brown womxn. She was President of Rockwood Leadership Institute for ten years, and directs the Thriving Roots Fund, which supports young womxn's finance and philanthropic learning and leadership based in generosity and interconnectedness.
Robin Wall Kimmerer, scientist & writer
A scientist, writer, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer is known for her works Braiding Sweetgrass and Gathering Moss. A SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, she founded the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. In 2022, she received a MacArthur Fellowship for her contributions to ecological restoration and Indigenous knowledge. Kimmerer's mission is to bridge Indigenous wisdom with science to foster environmental sustainability and inspire a renewed relationship with nature.
Isabella Teixeira - Co-chair of the UN International Resource Panel and Former Minister of Environment (2010-2016)
Isabella Teixeira is a leading environmental expert and former Minister of Environment for Brazil. She served as co-chair of the UN International Resource Panel and was pivotal in Brazil's role in negotiating the Paris Agreement. Teixeira has been recognized for her contributions to reducing Amazon deforestation, earning the UN Environment "Champions of the Earth" award. A seasoned environmental planner, she has dedicated her career to sustainable development and climate action, serving on global advisory boards and panels.
Terry Tempest Williams, Award Winning Author, Environmentalist & Activist
Terry Tempest Williams is an acclaimed writer, environmental advocate, and passionate defender of free speech, known for exploring the intersections of environmental and social justice. Her works, including Refuge and The Hour of Land, blend lyrical prose with calls for ethical engagement with the natural world. Williams has received multiple literary and conservation awards, and serves as writer-in-residence at Harvard Divinity School. She co-founded the Constellation Project to promote imagination and spirituality in Planetary Health
Halla Tomasdottir, President of Iceland
Halla Tómasdóttir, born in Reykjavík in 1968, is a prominent business leader and advocate for gender equality and climate action. She holds degrees from Auburn University, Thunderbird School of Global Management, and Cranfield University. Halla's career includes roles at M&M/Mars, Pepsi Cola, and the Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation. She co-founded Auður Capital and played a key role in Mauraþúfan. As CEO of The B Team (2018–24), she championed responsible business practices, addressing climate change, inequality, and fostering collaboration between sectors. Halla became Iceland's president in 2024.
Jane Lubchenco, Deputy Director for Climate and the Environment, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Dr. Lubchenco is a world-renowned environmental scientist with deep experience in science, academia, and government. She is a champion of science, the stronger engagement of scientists with society, and finding durable solutions to environmental challenges. She served as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from 2009-2013. She was an inaugural member of President Obama's "Science Dream Team". From 2014 to 2016 she served as the first U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean. She is a marine ecologist and environmental scientist, with expertise in the ocean, climate change, and interactions between the environment and human well-being.
Laurence Tubiana, European Climate Foundation
Laurence Tubiana is CEO of the European Climate Foundation. She is also the Chair of the Board of Governors at the French Development Agency (AFD) and a Professor at Sciences Po, Paris. Before joining the ECF, Laurence was France's Climate Change Ambassador and Special Representative for COP21, and as such a key architect of the landmark Paris Agreement. Following COP21, she was appointed High Level Champion for climate action.
Solitaire Townsend, Chief Solutionist & Co-Founder Futerra
Solitaire is a leading sustainability expert, co-founder of Futerra, and a key figure in global climate change solutions. Known for combining the 'logic' of science with the 'magic' of storytelling, she advises business, governments and non-profits in sustainability futures. She was named 'Leader of the Year' at Adweek's Sustainability Awards and 'Sustainable Development Goals Pioneer' for the UK by the United Nations Global Compact in 2023. Since 2022 she has also Chaired the Futerra Solutions Union non-profit. Her popular TED talk, Forbes blog, and award-winning book, The Solutionists can be found online.
Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer, Colgate-Palmolive
As Colgate-Palmolive's Chief Sustainability Officer, Ann leads Colgate's Global Sustainability strategy and key initiatives, integrating a strong technical foundation across the company's Sustainability & Social Impact Strategy Core Ambition pillars. Ann holds degrees in Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing Systems. Most recently Ann has completed a Certificate of Sustainability from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Currently she is on the Board of the UNGC Network USA.
Marina Silva, Board of Directors of the Instituto Democracia e Sustentabilidade (IDS)Marina gained recognition over nearly 30 years of public service for her defense of ethics, environmental protection, and sustainable development. She served as a city councilor, state deputy, and senator, and led Brazil's Ministry of the Environment, where she helped reduce Amazon deforestation by 57%. Her international profile grew, and The Guardian listed her among the top 50 people who could save the planet. In 2010, she launched her presidential campaign, naming businessman Guilherme Leal as her vice.
Rebecca Solnit - author and activist
Writer, historian, and activist Rebecca Solnit is the author of more than twenty books on feminism, western and urban history, popular power, social change and insurrection, wandering and walking, hope and catastrophe. Her books include Orwell's Roses; Recollections of My Nonexistence; Hope in the Dark; Men Explain Things to Me; A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities that Arise in Disaster; and A Field Guide to Getting Lost. A product of the California public education system from kindergarten to graduate school, she writes regularly for the Guardian, serves on the board of the climate group Oil Change International, and recently launched the climate project Not Too Late ( nottoolateclimate.com ).
Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency
Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), has over 30 years of experience in renewable energy and sustainable development. In India, she led the National Solar Mission in 2010, pioneering solar policy, and directed rural development in Madhya Pradesh, focusing on poverty reduction, women's livelihoods, and renewable energy for artisans. Singh also led a river restoration project and contributed to the Right to Water Act. At IRENA, she previously directed country-level partnerships and regional initiatives.
Karen O'Brien – Professor at University of Oslo Expert in Global Environmental Change
Karen O'Brien is an internationally recognized researcher on the human and social dimensions of global environmental change, focusing on how societal beliefs, values, and worldviews influence climate resilience and sustainable transformation. She advocates for transformative approaches to sustainability that integrate diverse perspectives, emphasizing the potential for "quantum social change" to drive equitable transitions. Co-founder of cCHANGE, she engages communities and organizations in transformative change and has contributed to major climate initiatives,including the IPCC. O'Brien's recent works, such as You Matter More Than You Think, explore innovative strategies for fostering climate resilience. In 2021, she received the BBVA Foundation's Frontiers of Knowledge Award for her work on climate change.
Sharon Lavigne – Environmental Justice Activist, Louisiana
Sharon Lavigne is a leading environmental justice advocate from St. James Parish, Louisiana, a region known as "Cancer Alley" due to its high concentration of petrochemical plants. In 2018, she founded Rise St. James to resist the encroachment of these industries in her community. Lavigne's work has led to the halting of multiple petrochemical projects, as she strives for a Louisiana free from harmful industrial pollution. Her activism brings attention to the health and environmental impacts of petrochemical plants on marginalized communities, as she works toward a safer, more sustainable future for her community.
Mary Robinson - Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is a global advocate for climate justice, peace, and human rights. She chaired The Elders from 2018 to 2024, engaging with leaders worldwide to address inequality and climate action. Known for her groundbreaking work on women's rights and ethical leadership, she continues to work with The Elders and advance environmental justice and intergenerational equity through global initiatives and advisory roles.
Sheela Patel - founder and director of SPARC
SPARC is an NGO supporting urban poor communities since 1984 in accessing secure housing and basic amenities. SPARC works with the National Slum Dwellers Federation (NSDF) and Mahila Milan across 70 Indian cities. Since 1999, Patel has also been the CEO of SPARC Samudaya Nirman Sahayak (SSNS), aiding slum communities with construction projects. A founder of Slum/Shack Dwellers International (SDI), Patel is recognized globally for addressing urban poverty and advocating for the rights of slum dwellers.
Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen Fund
Jacqueline Novogratz, founder of Acumen Fund, applies entrepreneurial strategies to tackle global poverty, investing patient capital in scalable businesses for healthcare, water, housing, and energy in South Asia and East Africa. Before Acumen, she led The Philanthropy Workshop and Next Generation Leadership programs at the Rockefeller Foundation. A TED speaker, her memoir, The Blue Sweater, explores poverty and empathy.
Dawn Pierre-Nathoniel – Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer, Saint Lucia
DawnPierre-Nathoniel, Saint Lucia's Chief Sustainable Development and Environment Officer, specializes in climate change, biodiversity, and ocean governance. Starting as a fisheries biologist, she has led ecosystem management and biodiversity projects, coordinating efforts like the NBSAP and Saint Lucia's National Adaptation Plan. Since 2015, she has represented CARICOM and AOSIS on the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, advocating for vulnerable communities. Her extensive experience includes policy development, international negotiations, and resilience planning for sustainable development in the Caribbean.
Sunita Narain, Director of the Centre for Science and Environment
Sunita Narain is an influential environmentalist and director of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Since 1982, she has advocated for sustainable development and environmental policies in India. She co-edited the 1985 State of India's Environment Report and later wrote 'Towards Green Villages.' Sunita led the successful CNG initiative in Delhi to reduce air pollution and raised global awareness on climate change. She was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2016.
Catherine McKenna, Founder Climate and Nature Solutions
Catherine McKenna is the founder and principal of Climate and Nature Solutions. She served as Chair of the UN Secretary-General's High-Level Expert Group on Net-Zero Commitments of Non-State Entities (companies, investors, cities and regions), launched "Women Leading on Climate" and was Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO, McPherson Strategies
Susan McPherson is a corporate responsibility expert, angel investor, and founder of McPherson Strategies, a consultancy focused on brand-social impact. Author of The Lost Art of Connecting, she has 30+ years in marketing and sustainability communications. She's a sought-after speaker, Forbes' "50 over 50" awardee, and advisor to women-led startups and nonprofits. Susan serves on boards like The 19th News, mentors women entrepreneurs, and supports women-led Broadway productions. She's based in Brooklyn and is active in networks promoting women's leadership and impact.
Gina McCarthy
Gina McCarthy is the first White House National Climate Advisor and former U.S. EPA Administrator. She led historic climate action under President Biden, driving clean energy innovation and job creation. McCarthy has worked across political lines to address environmental challenges and public health. She served as CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council, taught at Harvard, and held key roles in the EPA and Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection. McCarthy holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Tufts University.
Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados
Mia Mottley, the 8th Prime Minister of Barbados, is the first woman to hold this office, leading the Barbados Labour Party to a historic 2018 victory. With nearly 30 years in politics, she represents St. Michael North East and holds roles as Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Investment. Mottley has chaired CARICOM and co-chairs global initiatives with the World Bank, IMF, and WHO, contributing to Caribbean integration, economic policy, and global health efforts against antimicrobial resistance.
Jen Morris - CEO of The NatureConservancy
Jen Morris is the CEO of The Nature Conservancy, leading a global team of 6,000 staff in over 80 countries to combat the climate and biodiversity crises. With over 30 years of experience, she has advanced science-based conservation and innovative approaches to finance nature. Previously, she held leadership roles at Conservation International, overseeing impact finance. Morris is also an advocate for mentoring future leaders and serves on several influential councils, contributing to global environmental solutions through strategic partnerships.
Jennifer Morgan
Jennifer Morgan, born April 21, 1966, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is the State Secretary and Special Representative for International Climate Policy at Germany's Federal Foreign Office since March 2022. She studied Political Science and International Relations at Indiana University and earned a Master's in International Affairs from The American University. Morgan has held leadership roles at WWF International, World Resources Institute, and Greenpeace International. She has been involved with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Germany's Council for Sustainable Development. She resides in Berlin.
María Mendiluce - CEO, We Mean Business Coalition
María Mendiluce is an expert in sustainable development, energy and climate action with 25 years of experience. As CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition (WMB), she works with non-profit and corporate partners to provide the lodestar to guide companies to net zero. In 2023, WMB launched the Fossil To Clean movement, galvanising action across business and policymakers for fossil fuel phaseout. This campaign was influential in securing inclusion of fossil fuel phase out in the final agreement at COP28 and has so far mobilised 260+ companies representing $1.6 trillion in global annual revenue.
Wanjira Mathai - MD Africa & Global Partnerships WRI
Wanjira Mathai is Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI). She is also the Chair of the Wangari Maathai Foundation, named after her Nobel Peace Prize-winning mother, and the former Chair of Kenya's Green Belt Movement. She holds leadership roles on the Clean Cooking Alliance and the Africa-Europe Foundation. Named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in 2023, Mathai is celebrated for her dedication to empowering communities and advancing landscape restoration.
Mindy Lubber, CEO and President of Ceres
Mindy Lubber is the CEO and President of Ceres, a leading sustainability nonprofit, since 2003. She has influenced global investors and corporate leaders to integrate responsible business practices. Lubber played a key role in the Paris Agreement and is a prominent advocate for climate policies. Recognized with multiple awards, including the UN's 'Champions of the Earth,' she's been named one of the most influential women in U.S. finance. Previously, she led the U.S. EPA's regional office and founded Green Century Capital Management.
Winona LaDuke, Native American activist, economist, and author
Winona LaDuke, a First Nations activist, economist, and author, advocates for Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and sustainable development. An Anishinaabekwe of the White Earth Reservation, LaDuke founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project and co-founded Honor the Earth, both promoting Native land recovery and environmental conservation. She served as Ralph Nader's Green Party running mate in 1996 and 2000. Today, she continues her work in activism and sustainable agriculture, leading Winona's Hemp & Heritage Farm to create an Indigenous, eco-friendly economy.
Sharon Lavigne – Environmental Justice Activist, Louisiana
Sharon Lavigne is a leading environmental justice advocate from St. James Parish, Louisiana, a region known as "Cancer Alley" due to its high concentration of petrochemical plants. In 2018, she founded Rise St. James to resist the encroachment of these industries in her community. Lavigne's work has led to the halting of multiple petrochemical projects, as she strives for a Louisiana free from harmful industrial pollution. Her activism brings attention to the health and environmental impacts of petrochemical plants on marginalized communities, as she works toward a safer, more sustainable future for her community.
Diana Liverman - Former Regents Professor at the University of Arizona, School of Geography, Development, and Environment
Diana Liverman, a climate justice and environmental governance expert, retired as a Regents Professor at the University of Arizona. Her career focuses on the human impacts of climate change, climate adaptation, and social justice, with prior roles leading environmental institutes at Arizona, Oxford, and Penn State. An IPCC author and National Academy of Sciences member, Diana remains active in research and climate volunteerism, supporting initiatives like Julie's Bicycle and Tucson's climate advisory board.
Hunter Lovins, President and Founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions
L. Hunter Lovins, President of Natural Capitalism Solutions, is a sustainability expert with over 35 years of experience. She has provided guidance to governments, major companies like Unilever, Walmart, Patagonia, and Clif Bar, as well as institutions such as Bard College. Hunter has delivered lectures globally and briefed senior officials across more than 30 countries. Her work spans economic development projects from Afghanistan to New Zealand, and she has contributed to the King of Bhutan's International Expert Working Group. Hunter is a member of the Executive Committee of the Club of Rome, the steering committee of the Alliance for Sustainability and Prosperity, and the Advisory Board of the Capital Institute. A founding mentor of the Unreasonable Institute and co-founder of Change Finance, she has received numerous accolades, including the Right Livelihood Award, recognition as a Millennium Hero by Time, and being named a Green Business Icon by Newsweek.
Sophie Lambin-Founder and CEO of Kite Insights, and of The Climate School.
For more than 20 years, Sophie has worked with the c-suite and other thought leaders to shape private sector action on climate and its intersection with gender, health, technology and more. She is the curator of The New York Times Climate Forward series and is on the editorial board of The Women's Forum for the Economy and Society. Sophie is a frequent speaker, discussion moderator and facilitator on mobilising the private sector on climate change, gender equality, and upskilling. Before creating Kite Insights, Sophie was the Global Head of Thought Leadership at PwC, where she spearheaded the Annual CEO Survey and its launch at the World Economic Forum.
Agnes Kalibata - President of AGRA
Dr. Agnes Kalibata has led the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) as President since 2014, promoting rapid, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural growth for millions of African smallholder farmers. A scientist with a doctorate in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she transformed Rwanda's food security as Minister of Agriculture from 2008 to 2014. As the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to the 2021 Food Systems Summit, she supported sustainable food systems aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative on Climate, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Rachel Kyte is a Professor of Practice in Climate Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the UK government's Special Representative on Climate. Formerly Dean of The Fletcher School and CEO SEforALL, she led climate finance at the World Bank. Rachel advises on voluntary carbon markets, ESG, and sustainable development, contributing to global climate action through the G20 and COP26. A Companion of St Michael and St George (CMG), she is a regular speaker and writer on climate finance, energy transitions, and diplomacy, with leadership recognized on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hannah Jones – CEO, Earthshot Prize
Hannah Jones became CEO of the Earthshot Prize in 2021. Previously, she was Nike's first Chief Sustainability Officer, transforming the brand's labor and sustainability practices into innovative industry standards. As a social entrepreneur, she led HIV prevention and anti-racism campaigns and was awarded the C.K. Prahalad Award for Global Sustainability. Jones leverages her experience to advance sustainability and innovation for businesses, start-ups, and nonprofits, committed to impactful environmental change.
Antonia Juhasz - Leading energy, climate, and environmental justice author, analyst, and investigative journalist
Antonia Juhasz is an investigative journalist and author specializing in energy, climate, and environmental justice. Her award-winning work, featured in Rolling Stone, National Geographic, and The New York Times, explores the intersections of fossil fuels, human rights, and climate. She has authored three books on these themes and investigates frontline climate issues worldwide. Antonia serves on Amazon Watch's board, lectures internationally, and contributes in-depth analysis on climate and corporate accountability.
Diane Holdorf, Executive Vice President, WBCSD
Diane Holdorf, EVP at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, leads cross-sector climate action in food, energy, and transportation through WBCSD's "Pathways" strategy. Formerly Kellogg's Chief Sustainability Officer, she advanced key environmental programs and brings extensive experience from Delta Consultants in global sustainability and risk management. Recognized by GreenBiz as a top climate leader, she serves on several advisory boards, including the World Benchmarking Alliance, championing sustainability and systemic transformation worldwide.
Katharine Hayhoe, Climate scientist, Distinguished Professor, Texas Tech University, Chief Scientist, The NatureConservancy
Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose research focuses on understanding what climate change means for people and the places where we live. She is the Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, a Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor of Public Policy and Public Law in the Dept. of Political Science at Texas Tech University, and a four-time author of the U.S. National Climate Assessment. However, Katharine may be best-known to many because of how she's bridging the broad, deep gap between scientists and people of faith— work she does primarily because she is a Christian herself. She is the author of the book "Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World," has given a TED talk with over 4 million views, and hosts the newsletter Talking Climate . For her efforts to help people understand why climate change matters and the role we can all play in accelerating solutions, Katharine has been named one of TIME's 100 Most InfluentialPeople, a United Nations Champion of the Environment, and most recently, a Forbes 2024 Sustainability Leader.
Fiona Harvey, Environmental Journalist, The Guardian
Fiona Harvey, an acclaimed environmental journalist, has reported on topics from climate change to biodiversity since 2004, working at the Financial Times and then The Guardian. Her assignments have spanned from the Arctic to the Amazon, and she's attended nearly every UN Climate Conference since 2004, including live coverage from Paris in 2015. Harvey has interviewed notable figures like Antonio Guterres and David Attenborough, and her awards include the Foreign Press Association's Environment Story of the Year and the British Environment and Media Awards Journalist of the Year.
Roshi Joan Halifax - Founder and Abbot of Upaya Zen Center
Roshi Joan Halifax is the founder and abbot of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she integrates Zen practice with teachings on engaged Buddhism. With a background in medical anthropology and psychology, Halifax has worked extensively with the dying, teaching compassionate care and end-of-life practices. She's known for her work with indigenous communities and her focus on interdependence and ecological stewardship. Through her Zen center, she fosters spiritual and social transformation through meditation, service, and dharma art.
Patricia Gualinga – Kichwa Indigenous Leader, Ecuadorian Amazon
Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader from Sarayaku in the Ecuadorian Amazon, champions indigenous rights and environmental protection. Her community, known as the "People of the Zenith," successfully fought off oil development for over 25 years, culminating in a landmark 2012 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemning Ecuador for permitting oil exploration on their land without consent. Gualinga advocates for "Kawsak Sacha" or "Living Forest," a proposal to legally protect the Sarayaku's ancestral lands as a Sacred Territory, prohibiting extraction activities. She is a prominent voice in the global movement to protect indigenous lands and keep fossil fuels in the ground.
Mariana Grossi - Chairwoman of the Brazilian Advisory Board for Sustainable Development (CEBDS)
Mariana Grossi is a prominent sustainability leader in Brazil, serving as Chairwoman of CEBDS. She has played a key role in climate change policy, including representing Brazil at UN climate conferences. With expertise in energy, climate change, and sustainable finance, Grossi has led major initiatives like the "Vision 2050" report and the "Green Bond Issuance Guide." She is a founding counselor of the Brazilian Women Leaders Network for Sustainability and has advocated for carbon market regulation to foster sustainable development in Brazil.
Christiana Figueres - Co-founder of Global Optimism & Former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC (2010-2016)
Christiana Figueres is an internationally renowned leader in climate diplomacy. As Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC from 2010 to 2016, she played a key role in the Paris Agreement's creation. Afterward, she co-founded Global Optimism and co-authored the book The Future We Choose. Figueres continues to drive global climate action through advisory roles and initiatives, including her involvement withThe Earthshot Prize Foundation. Her efforts have earned her global recognition for her work in multilateral climate negotiations and collaborative diplomacy.
Patricia Espinosa - CEO and Founding Partner of Onepoint5
Ambassador Patricia Espinosa, CEO and founder of onepoint5, is a leading figure in global climate action with over 35 years of experience in diplomacy and multilateral negotiations. Formerly Mexico's Foreign Minister and Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, she now guides onepoint5, a consultancy supporting sustainable transitions. Espinosa emphasizes inclusive, collaborative solutions to global challenges, using her expertise to help organizations navigate the shift to resilience and sustainability by crafting strategies that maximize both environmental impact and economic potential.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève – Co-President, Club of Rome
Sandrine Dixson-Declève is co-president of the Club of Rome, a thought leader on sustainable development, and Executive Chair of Earth4All. She advises multiple organizations, including the European Commission and the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. A TED speaker, she has authored works on global survival and sustainability and was recently named one of GreenBiz's most influential women in promoting the green economy. Her work spans governance, green transition, and the social impact of research and innovation.
Dr. Fatima Denton – Director, United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa
Dr. Fatima Denton, Director of UNU-INRA, is a prominent UN leader with expertise in natural resource management, climate policy, and African development. Previously, she held key roles at UNECA and IDRC, overseeing climate adaptation initiatives across 33 African countries. Dr. Denton is a lead author for the IPCC and serves on scientific boards, including Future Earth and IIED. Holding the Prince Claus Chair at Utrecht University, she advocates for inclusive just transitions in Africa. She has published over 50 academic works.
Helen Clarkson – CEO, The Climate Group
Helen Clarkson has led The Climate Group as CEO since 2017, focusing on collaborative sustainability initiatives. Previously at Forum for the Future, she engaged with major corporations on complex sustainability challenges. Her humanitarian work with Médecins Sans Frontières and background in business strategy have equipped her with a unique perspective on sustainable development. Clarkson holds degrees in philosophy and environmental strategy and is a Chartered Accountant.
Casey Camp-Horinek - Ponca Nation CouncilwomanCasey Camp-Horinek, a Councilwoman and Hereditary Drumkeeper of the Ponca Nation of Oklahoma, is a passionate activist for environmental justice and indigenous rights. She has worked to address environmental degradation affecting her people, leading the Ponca Nation to adopt the Rights of Nature Statute and institute a fracking ban on tribal lands. Camp-Horinek played a key role in creating the International Indigenous Women's Treaty to protect natural rights and frequently speaks at the United Nations on indigenous issues.
Pasha Carruthers – Climate Change Adaptation Officer, Cook Islands
Pasha Carruthers, a climate change adaptation officer for the Pacific Islands Climate Change Assistance Programme (PICCAP) in the Cook Islands, integrates science and community insight to develop climate adaptation projects in sectors like agriculture, water management, and disaster planning. Drawing on her background in archaeology and ecological biology, she collaborates with local communities to gather baseline data, building capacity for climate resilience. Her work aims to equip government and community leaders with information that helps them understand and respond effectively to climate challenges, enhancing the resilience of Cook Islands communities against future environmental impacts.
Athena Ballesteros – Managing Director, Global Climate Strategies, Climate Lead
Athena Ballesteros, Managing Director at Climate Lead, guides new climate philanthropists to maximize impact. With two decades of experience, including roles at the Growald Family Fund and WRI's Center for Sustainable Finance, she advocates for shifting finance towards low-carbon, resilient development. Ballesteros is also a policy advisor for the Philippines' UN climate negotiations and serves on multiple environmental boards. She holds advanced degrees from Tufts and the University of the Philippines and is dedicated to addressing climate change alongside issues of health and poverty.
Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation
Sharan Burrow, a global advocate for human rights and climate action, served as General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (2010–2022) and President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (2000–2010). Known for her work on labor rights, corporate accountability, and just transition solutions, she has represented workers in major global forums like the UN, ILO, G7, and G20. Currently, she is a Visiting Professor at the LSE-Grantham Institute and advises on climate and sustainability initiatives.
Tzeporah Berman, Chair, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
Tzeporah Berman chairs the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, advocating for global fossil fuel reduction. Known for her environmental policy wins, Berman helped secure Canada's Great Bear Rainforest and co-founded ForestEthics. She has received awards for her environmental leadership and in 2019 launched the groundbreaking climate campaign to halt fossil fuel expansion. Her initiatives, including the global fossil fuel registry, aim to reshape energy policy worldwide.
Preety Bhandari – Senior Advisor, Global Climate Program and Finance Center, WRI
Preety Bhandari, Senior Advisor at WRI, provides strategic guidance on international climate finance, resilience, and just transition. Formerly Chief of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management at the Asian Development Bank, she contributed to establishing the UNFCCC's Green Climate Fund and the $100 billion climate finance goal. With a background in economics and extensive expertise in climate policy, she serves on the board of the Gold Standard Foundation and as an IPCC lead author. Bhandari's experience encompasses climate finance, adaptation, and resilience to aid vulnerable communities.
Kathy Baughman McLeodCEO of Climate and Resilience for All
Kathy Baughman McLeod is the CEO of Climate and Resilience for All and Senior Vice President at the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. She leads efforts to build resilience against climate change, migration, and security challenges, aiming to reach one billion people by 2030. Previously, she was Global Environmental & Social Risk Executive at Bank of America and Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy. She holds an MBA, MS in Geography, and BS in International Affairs, and has been a policy fellow and documentary producer.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyer Mayor of Freetown
Born and raised in Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr was elected Mayor in 2018. She graduated from Fourah Bay College with a bachelor's degree in Economics, where she was active with the International Association of Students in Economics and Management (AIESEC) and became the first African on AIESEC's Brussels-based International Exchange Committee in 1988. Aki-Sawyerr also holds a masters degree in International Relations and Politics of the World Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is a chartered accountant. Aki-Sawyerr was recognised for her work during Sierra Leone's Ebola crisis with an Ebola Gold Medal by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone in December 2015. She was also made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in January 2016.
